Venezuelan newspaper Sunday Leader reported that Hernandez was found dead in his home in El Tigre and had apparently been struggling with depression for the past year. Authorities have not released an official comment or details.

Hernandez hit just .224 with a .550 OPS in 714 career games and famously managed just 12 RBIs in 618 plate appearances as a rookie in 1971, but he was considered an elite defensive shortstop and a fan favorite in San Diego.